Abelone Films Unveils Forgiveness

In a world where the lines between humanity and hardship often blur, Abelone Films proudly unveils its latest passion project, "Forgiveness," a powerful short film directed by the visionary Felix Julian Koch. This evocative piece of cinema, set against the stark backdrop of the Cape Flats in Cape Town, embarks on a journey to explore the themes of redemption, reconciliation, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Director Felix Julian Koch, known for his profound storytelling and modern cinematography, leads on this poignant film project. Living between Hamburg and Cape Town, Koch’s work spans commercials, music videos, documentaries, and short films. His dedication to capturing the essence of human emotions is evident in every frame of "Forgiveness."
The film follows the journey of a man who, after spending 15-20 years in prison for murdering his father—a tragic act committed in defense of his abused mother—returns to his old neighborhood in search of forgiveness. The narrative weaves together moments of solitude, deep emotional struggle, and flashes of hope — from heart-wrenching scenes where our protagonist is haunted by the past to quiet moments of connection with his aging mother, every frame captures the weight of his quest for redemption.

His journey towards inner peace reaches a crescendo in a symbolic, spiritual moment—a sunrise baptism in the ocean. As he floats in the water, free from the burdens of guilt, the film offers a message of optimism: no matter the depth of one’s past mistakes, forgiveness—especially of oneself—is possible.

"Forgiveness" stars an outstanding ensemble cast, including Deverol Peters, June van Merch, Sergio Luitjiens, Johny van Wyk, and the beloved Aunty Maggie. The film delves deep into the heart of a community often overshadowed by stories of violence and despair. Situated between the vibrant city of Cape Town and its airport, the Cape Flats is a region many know only from fleeting glances while passing by. However, this film brings its stories, struggles, and spirit into sharp focus; shedding light on the resilience and depth of a community that has long been overlooked.

Bringing Forgiveness authentically to life was no small feat. Securing access to the Cape Flats and engaging with its local community presented unique challenges. Felix Julian Koch and the Abelone Films team faced the delicate task of portraying the area's reality while respecting its residents' experiences and voices. The cast and crew, a blend of local talents and international experts, worked tirelessly to bring authenticity to the screen.

Technically, the production was equally demanding. Shot on 35mm film, with only ten reels brought from Germany, every shot had to be meticulously planned. The tight schedule—one day of reconnaissance and two shooting days—meant that rehearsals were intensive, ensuring every frame captured the intended emotion and message. Despite these challenges, the film was completed with remarkable precision - tight schedule of one day of recce and two shooting days, resulting in a work that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally compelling.To achieve the desired visual and emotional depth, the team utilized Adobe InDesign for DI/Storylines and Adobe Premiere Pro for the edit, further enhancing the film's narrative impact.

The film’s success is attributed to a stellar crew, including Rory O'Grady as Director of Photography, Yannis Panther as Editor and Sound Designer, and Dominic Phipps as Digital Colourist. The production was supported by industry giants such as Cinegrell, Kodak, Panavision, and Company 3.

Forgiveness is not just a film; it’s a sensory experience. Filmed in the natural light of Cape Town’s landscapes, the movie uses vibrant and contrasting colors to create a visually stunning and bold aesthetic. Extreme close-ups of characters’ eyes, lips, and hands focus on subtle gestures and expressions, capturing the intricacies of human emotion. The decision to film on traditional 35mm film was a deliberate homage to the authenticity of human existence, with its grainy textures and organic imperfections mirroring the nuances of our souls.

The atmospheric soundtrack, paired with sound design that emphasizes the impact of the melancholic visuals, creates a hypnotic and immersive experience for viewers. The film’s style, a blend of symbolic visuals, slow-motion, and highly stylized perspectives, brings the hero’s character to life, emphasizing the emotional depth and complexity of his journey.
Currently already receiving accolades at film festivals and awards programs worldwide, most recently “Forgiveness” has become shortlisted as an Official Selection at the prestigious Berlin Commercial Awards in addition to winning Silver at the Young Director Awards (YDA) in Cannes. This short film is not just a standalone project; it is the centerpiece of a holistic exhibition currently being planned by Abelone Films.

As director Felix Julian Koch eloquently puts it, "The film ‘Forgiveness’ serves as a symbol for the prevailing intolerance and disconnect between individuals in our modern society and as a poignant reminder of the imperative need for forgiveness. Drawing inspiration from a story rooted in the heart of the Cape Flats, it sheds light on a community frequently shrouded in tales of violence and despair."

June van Merch, who lent her voice to the film's Afrikaans narration, echoes this sentiment: “This film is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Cape Flats community. It is a story that needs to be told, now more than ever.”
Experience the power of storytelling through "Forgiveness." Visit Abelone Films to learn more about this remarkable project and its journey to the screen. Watch the trailer here and stay tuned for its festival run in 2024 and 2025.

Full Credits
Director: Felix Julian Koch
Writers: Felix Julian Koch, Lisa Palos
Producers: Søren Haxholm, Inga Schlüter, Michelle Geeringh
Key Cast: Deverol Peters, June van Merch, Sergio Luitjiens, Johny van Wyk, Aunty Maggie
Director of Photography: Rory O'Grady
Editor: Yannis Panther
Unit Manager: Chris Cloete
Location Fixer: Lee Cloete
1st AC: Damien Walsh
Loader: Sam Maritz
Gaffer: Jean Pierre Du Preez
Grips: Alex Kauffenstein, Itumeleng Mdodana
Digital Colourist: Dominic Phipps
Title & Poster Design: Michael Mandrup
Sound Design & Mix: Nick Nowottny, Yannis Panther
Security: Johny van Wyk

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